Needs a consistent partner (Jaap Stam)

Member Name: Chandler

Product:	Jaap Stam
Date:	16/08/00 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Speed, Height, Strength

Disadvantages: Finishing, especially penalties

On his United debut, Jaap Stam was destroyed by Arsenals Nic Anelka. Many doubted (as ever) Fergies judgement on spending £10m on this man, 9 months and three trophies later they werent so doubtful. Stam was like a rock in the heart of the defence, and opposing teams were scared to death of the Schmeichel - Stam combo.

Sure he has the odd slip up, even a fabulous own goal last season, but he is as solid a defender seen at Old Trafford since Steve Bruce. Stam is fast, hard and an excellent tackler. His timing is often impeccable and he is great both in the air and on the deck.

He is comfortable in posession, often running 50-69 yards with the ball, sometimnes shooting, sometimes passing.

The only downside is his goal output, for a big strong man, one goal in 2 years is poor. He has chances but doesnt do a lot with them, he is not the threat at corners and freekicks that Brucey and Pallister were, but je has time yet.

My favourite memory of Jaap is in the Inter Milan home game, when Jaap was being backed into by Ivan Zamorano, he just puffed his chest up and stood solid, Zamorano was like a kid trying to move a wall, Stam said afterwards he felt like it was saying "This is my ground, I will control what happens here" This showed the strength of the man and from this day on I knew he was worth the cash.

I think Stam is great for £10m, and when he gets a partner alongside him that stays there consistently, United will become a great defence again.

Summary: